The morning sun had barely begun to rise, casting long shadows over the land, when Thorin jumped out of bed. There was a strange clarity in his mind, a sense of urgency, as if something deep within him had snapped into place during the night. His father’s words had settled in his heart like a seed waiting to grow. Today was the day. Today, he would start to make things right.

The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and Thorin moved with a quiet determination as he gathered his things. He took extra care grooming himself, his movements deliberate and steady as he washed his face, combed his hair, and dressed in his nicest clothes—the ones he’d worn for his wedding. He hadn’t thought about those clothes in months, perhaps years, but now, they felt like a symbol. A reminder of the man he once was, the man he wanted to be again.

As Thorin fastened the last clasp on his jacket, he felt a shift—a small but significant change. For the first time in so long, he felt like he was stepping into the man he was meant to be. A man who would fight for what he loved, who would make things right, no matter the cost.

Without another word, he left the cottage behind, the familiar quiet of the place feeling more distant now. His heart beat a little faster as he made his way to the stables. He didn’t hesitate. He mounted swiftly, urging the horse into a gallop as he rode towards the village of Elysia’s father. The journey was long, and his mind raced with thoughts of what he would say, how he would make amends. But there was only one thing he knew for certain—he had to try.

The wind bit at his face as he urged his horse faster, faster, the pounding of hooves in rhythm with his heart. He couldn’t afford to waste any more time. Each mile felt like an eternity, and as the landscape began to shift, with the familiar fields of the village coming into view, a knot of fear tightened in his chest. What if she didn’t want him? What if it was too late?

He didn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop. Not until he had done everything he could.

As he arrived at the outskirts of her father’s house, Thorin slowed his horse, taking a deep breath. The house was quiet, but he could already see movement inside—figures passing behind the window, casting fleeting shadows. It was then that the door opened, and Elysia’s father, a burly man with a gruff exterior, stepped out onto the porch. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Thorin, and Thorin could see the tension in his stance. The man had every reason to be angry. Thorin had broken his daughter’s heart.

Before he could even dismount, her father spoke in a voice that was low and dangerous, full of the wrath Thorin had expected. “What do you want, Thorin? You’ve hurt her enough. You’ve taken everything from her, and now you think you can just waltz back into our lives?” The words were sharp, full of the pain and anger that had likely been building since the moment his daughter had arrived back on his doorstep.

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Thorin stood firm, though his heart ached at the truth in the words. He didn’t flinch or back away. “I know I’ve caused pain, more than I could ever apologize for. But I’m here because I love her. And I’m not leaving until I do everything I can to make it right.” His voice was steady, though it trembled slightly, betraying the depth of his emotion. “I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I will spend every day for the rest of my life trying to earn it. If she’ll let me, if you’ll let me, I will prove to you both that I am worthy of her love.”

Elysia’s father stared at him for a long moment, his fists clenched at his sides. The weight of years of worry and pain in his eyes was unmistakable. Thorin could see the struggle in the man’s face—the desire to protect his daughter, to shield her from the man who had once been her husband.

Then, with a heavy sigh, the older man took a step back and gave a reluctant nod. “It'll be her choice but you better be ready to make up for everything you’ve done, Thorin. And if you hurt her again, if you fail her … I won’t hesitate to make sure you regret it.”

“I swear on my life,” Thorin said, his voice firm and unwavering, “I will never hurt her again.”

Her father didn’t say anything more, but with a resigned grunt, he stepped aside, allowing Thorin to enter the house.

The atmosphere inside was warm, but it felt different from what Thorin remembered. There was a stillness in the air, a silence that spoke volumes. The house, once full of laughter and light, now felt empty—except for the quiet figure standing near the hearth.

Elysia.

At the sight of her, Thorin’s breath caught in his throat. She was just as beautiful as he remembered, though she looked different—tired, worn, but still undeniably radiant. She turned slowly, her wide eyes meeting his. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world seemed to pause, suspended in that brief, fragile instant.

Then, without warning, Elysia broke into tears. Her eyes welled with emotion, her body trembling as she ran to him, her arms opening wide. She didn’t hesitate, didn’t think twice. She threw herself into his embrace, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Thorin allowed himself to hold her. He pulled her close, breathing in the scent of her hair, the familiar warmth of her presence.

“I’m so sorry, Elysia,” he whispered, his voice thick with regret. “I’m sorry for everything. I’ve been so lost, and I should have been there for you. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’ll spend every day of my life trying to make it right.”

Elysia shook her head, her sobs muffled against his chest. “You don’t need to apologize,” she said, her voice broken but filled with relief. “I just … I just wanted you to come back. I wanted you to be here. That’s all I ever wanted.”

Thorin’s heart shattered as he held her, realizing how deeply he had failed her. “I know,” he whispered. “I know I let you down. But I’m here now. I’m here, and I won’t leave you again.”

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-streaked cheeks, her eyes searching his face. “It’s forgiven, Thorin. It’s all forgiven, because you came for me. That’s all I ever needed, to know you still wanted to fight for me ... to fight for us.”

Elysia’s gaze softened, but there was something else in her eyes now—something that made Thorin’s breath catch. She took a step back, her hand trembling as she reached for his. She placed his hand on her stomach, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke. Thorin’s heart skipped a beat as he stared down at her, confusion clouding his thoughts.

Elysia smiled through her tears, her voice soft but full of wonder. “We’re pregnant, Thorin. We’re going to have a child.”